As the intense competition unfolded, another hour passed, during which I successfully eliminated another base, bringing the total count to two for Noah's group and two for the third group. With only three teams remaining, their demise seemed imminent. Standing on the opposite side of the lake, I surveyed the landscape. A small island sat in the center, hosting the last remaining base. Unlike the others nestled within the forest, this fortress-like structure posed a unique challenge, surrounded by water, it was difficult to approach without being detected.
Contemplating my strategy, I weighed my options. I could employ the same tactics as before, annihilating the base and seizing the flag. However, a sudden announcement over the loudspeaker caught me off guard.
"Abaddon, we know you're planning to attack," the voice echoed across the lake, undoubtedly the leader of the opposing group. A figure with chestnut brown hair and piercing ocean blue eyes stood atop the fortress, wielding a megaphone. "Many have tried and failed. What makes you think you can defeat us?"
With a confident smirk, I responded, "I have faith in my ability. Besides, I wanted to test something."
Focusing my attention on the water surrounding the island, I tapped into my power. Instead of summoning destructive flames, I manipulated the water molecules, freezing the lake's surface. The group on the island watched in astonishment as the water solidified beneath my touch. Despite their attempts to comprehend my abilities, their defenses remained unprepared.
As I approached the island, their apprehension grew palpable. They expected destruction, yet I wielded control over a force they couldn't comprehend. I reached out to one of the buildings, and a layer of ice began to spread, encasing the structure in a shimmering sheath.
"This is Black Ice," I explained confidently. "Indestructible and impervious to fire."
Their futile attempts to melt the ice with flames only confirmed their helplessness. With the group immobilized by my icy trap, I proceeded to the flag, encased in a miniature force field. Activating my ability, I unleashed a devastating punch, shattering the force field like glass. As I seized the flag, signaling my victory, the loudspeaker crackled to life once more.
"Group 5 has been eliminated," the announcement declared. In the distance, smoke billowed, signaling the commencement of the final showdown between the remaining teams. With the playing field narrowed to just two contenders, the true test of strength and strategy was about to unfold.
…
Riding atop my dragon, I soared back to our base, where Noah's group had launched an attack in an attempt to seize our flag. As I approached, I observed the skirmish unfolding below. Pluto, Liam, Daisy, and Elijah fought valiantly against their assailants, showcasing an unexpected level of skill and coordination. While part of me wanted to linger and witness the battle's outcome, I knew I had to intervene.
With a swift motion, I unsummoned the dragon and leaped from its back, landing among my teammates. Their initial surprise at my sudden appearance quickly gave way to relief.
"Where were you?" Elijah demanded, his tone laced with irritation. "We were on the brink of being overwhelmed."
"I was busy securing flags for our group," I explained, displaying the two captured flags. "I had to traverse the entire area to acquire these."
Elijah's frustration was palpable, but Liam intervened before tensions could escalate further.
"Why don't you utilize your ability, Abaddon?" Liam suggested, casting a pointed glance at Elijah. "We could certainly use your assistance right now."
Stepping forward, I nodded in agreement. Without engaging directly in combat, I summoned stone, ice, and flame golems to fend off Noah's group, buying us valuable time to fortify our defenses. Though Noah's team initially struggled against the unexpected assault, they managed to overcome my creations, though not without sustaining some weariness.
Sensing an opportunity for negotiation, I proposed a truce, much to the skepticism of Kai, one of Noah's cohorts.
"Why are you blabbering?" Kai retorted.
"Because I hold your flag," I revealed calmly, prompting confusion among Noah's group. "Not at this moment, but my clones do. Your dragon proved no match for them, Noah."
Noah's glare conveyed his frustration at losing repeatedly to the same adversary. Sensing his reluctance to escalate the conflict, I pressed on.
"Why don't you retreat, or I'll simply instruct my clones to retrieve your flag?" I suggested with a smirk.
Seemingly resigned, Noah conceded, and his group turned to leave, albeit with a vow to seek victory in the next encounter.
As they departed, I couldn't contain my amusement, eliciting a curious look from Elijah.
"What's so amusing?" he inquired.
"I didn't expect them to back down so easily with a mere bluff," I chuckled. "But it doesn't matter. Winning isn't solely about seizing flags; it's about accumulating points, and I always keep my word."
Understanding dawned on the rest of the group, realizing that even if Noah's group had succeeded, our impressive point tally would secure our advancement. With the announcement that the games had concluded, we exited the forest, exhausted but satisfied with our performance. As we prepared for the final game, a 45-minute break was granted to replenish our energy and strategize for the ultimate challenge ahead.
…
The tension in the air was palpable as the final showdown of the 31st Annual Elemental Games approached. Both Noah's group and mine stood in a single file line, awaiting the commencement of the ultimate challenge. Ms. Lily, the organizer of the event, took to the stage, igniting the excitement of the crowd as she activated a remote, illuminating a large screen.
The screen displayed the staggering points accumulated by each group throughout the games. My group surged ahead with 14,747 points, closely trailed by Noah's group with 14,726 points. The realization struck me that Noah's failure to seize our flag in the previous game had cost him the lead. With the rest of the groups left with zero points after our strategic maneuvers, victory seemed within our grasp.
"This year's Elemental Games have been nothing short of extraordinary, and now we're onto the final game," Ms. Lily announced, her voice reverberating with anticipation. She reached into a wooden box, drawing out the names of the participants for the 1v1 battles that would determine the ultimate champion.
The crowd erupted into cheers as the matchups were revealed. Liam, recognizing that his ability was not suited for combat, withdrew from the final game, retreating to the bleachers. As the names were drawn, fate paired me with Zane, a formidable opponent with ice-based abilities.
Facing off in the dirt field of my dream realm, Zane launched a barrage of ice daggers in my direction. I dodged and weaved, avoiding the deadly projectiles. Attempting to counter with my flames, I found Zane elusive, evading my attacks with ease. Frustration gnawed at me as the battle ensued, neither of us gaining a significant advantage.
Refusing to be outmaneuvered, I switched tactics, summoning my Black Ice. Freezing the ground beneath us, I trapped Zane's leg, immobilizing him momentarily. Sensing an opportunity, I unleashed a flurry of spikes, ensnaring him completely. With Zane unable to move, victory was mine.
Taking my place beside Pluto, who nervously awaited his turn, I offered reassurance. "Your ability guarantees success against opponents reliant on their powers. Don't doubt yourself."
Pluto stepped onto the stage, his demeanor resolute as he faced off against Kai. With swift and decisive maneuvers, Pluto emerged victorious, advancing our group's standing. As the battles raged on, it soon became my turn to face Elijah, a formidable opponent with his Magnetic Control ability.
Locking eyes with Elijah, I steeled myself for the intense battle ahead. Aware of his mastery over metallic materials, I prepared for a challenging confrontation that would test both our abilities and resolve.
…
Heroes POV
Kai joined his comrades on the bleachers, frustration evident in his demeanor as he collapsed into his seat. Zane, still with remnants of ice clinging to him, offered an explanation for their defeat.
"I can't believe I lost," Kai grumbled, his tone laced with annoyance. "Why does this school have so many people with overpowered abilities?"
Zane nodded in agreement, his gaze shifting to his frozen leg. "It often depends on their ancestry. Abaddon's ice abilities caught me off guard. It seems his power has subabilities."
Jay, attempting to smooth his frizzed hair, chimed in, "They should have given us a fighting chance at least."
Cole observed the ongoing battle between Abaddon and Elijah, contemplating the origins of Abaddon's formidable abilities. "If abilities are inherited, who did Abaddon inherit his from?"
Their attention turned to Abaddon, a figure of mystery with no known parents or past, yet possessing a remarkably powerful ability.
"The only other person with a similar ability is…" Zane trailed off, his expression shifting to one of concern.
"Lord Garmadon!" They all exclaimed simultaneously, the revelation striking them with disbelief. It seemed improbable, given Garmadon's banishment to the underworld before Noah's birth, and his devoted relationship with Misako.
"Could he have had a secret love child?" Jay speculated, raising an eyebrow at the thought. "Garmadon was an evil man; it wouldn't be surprising if he had an affair."
Amidst their conjectures, Ms. Lily's voice echoed across the arena, announcing Abaddon's advancement to the next round. Elijah lay motionless on the ground, defeated by the enigmatic Abaddon. With Noah's repeated failures to best him, the question lingered: who could possibly defeat such a formidable opponent?